Found a local guy who is selling a craftsman 4-1/8″ benchtop jointer for $50. He said it works and that he’s used it. From the picture it looks like an older fairly well built one, but I don’t know alot about jointers. I know they need to be sturdy, flat, and able to be adjusted accurately. Other than that, I’m clueless. I added a pic of it so you can take a look. What do you all think? Good deal or no?
Replies
The outfeed table on that model jointer is fixed which makes it impossible to fine tune the machine after installing new blades, or when the blades have dulled slightly, or when cutting especially hard or soft woods. In addition, the instruction manuals, that I've seen, that came with those models were filled with misinformation and outright errors.
These were inexpensive home shop machines that Sear's stripped down to keep the price low, they are definitely not as good as the best older small machines.
Carefully set up, you can probably get that model to produce decent work, but you would be better off in the long run getting a machine with an adjustable outfeed table. Also worth considering is the very limited capacity of a four inch machine, especially in the width of the stock you can plane.
In the mean time, $50.00 for a jointer is very cheap, it might be worth buying until you can purchase a better machine and you'll probably be able to sell it for at least what it cost you.
John W.
In the mean time, $50.00 for a jointer is very cheap, it might be worth buying until you can purchase a better machine and you'll probably be able to sell it for at least what it cost you... Right on! AND the rest of your post!
Hello John ,
I hate to sound like a nit picker but ,,,, I have an old Rockwell 6" fixed outfeed table jointer and have been using it for 25 years , it was used when I got it . Anyways we all know that the proper way to set jointer knives is to set them dead nuts to the outfeed table , if they dull or for some reason need tweaking I move the knives and re set them , so to make the statement that it is " impossible to to fine tune the machine after installing new blades " could perhaps be re worded a tad . It takes me maybe 15 minutes to replace the knives , and imo when the outfeed table is not fixed it is just one more place to be out of adjustment . I respect your expertise and enjoy your posts and consider you a true value on this forum , so please think about exactly what I said and please don't be upset with me . How often do you actually move the outfeed table when jointing boards? perhaps with the exception of tapering what other benefits can you gain . Just as a side bar I think I paid $225.00 used back then , and I would wager it would still fetch that much . The difference in the jointer that MMeyer is looking at we could maybe pick that one up with one hand , I don't know if I could lift the old one I have for very long anyway with both hands .
regards dusty
"In the mean time, $50.00 for a jointer is very cheap, it might be worth buying until you can purchase a better machine and you'll probably be able to sell it for at least what it cost you."I thought the exact same thing right before I called the guy and told him I'd take it. I just couldn't pass up the $50 price tag. I know it's not as good as what I'd like to buy, but if it gets me decent results, and I can learn to use it, then I'll know what to expect when it comes time to buy a nicer one. I played around with it a little when I got it home, and it definitely needs new blades, but otherwise seems to work well. Oh, and after carrying this thing downstairs to the basement, it's definitely not light, couldn't carry it with one hand, that's for sure.
MMeyer,
Resist the temptation to get that "machine." It is an exercise in frustration. It is a toy. Very poorly made. It is impossible to make or hold any settings with any acceptable degree of accuracy. It looks like a jointer, but that's as far as it goes. It is made of stamped parts, not cast iron as is needed for mass this kind of machine.
I helped a friend wrestle with one for a weekend, until she took it back and bought a Craftsman 6" model, which was an entirely different machine, obviously made in a different factory. I advised her agaisnt the Craftsman brand completely, but she seems to be satisfied with the 6".
The 4" machine we used was a little different than the one you show. But the changes in the newer model are completely cosmetic. I have seen the one you picture and it is basically, the same, poorly-made device.
Not asked - but my opinion regarding the issue of a jointer without an adjustable outfeed table - I've had both types, and I can set knives on a fixed table model if I have to. But I would NEVER choose to do it. Get a jointer with an adjustable outfeed table, you'll thank yourself.
Rich
I agree with rich....I would run away from that "toy" as fast as I could. When it comes to power equipment in the jointer category, you only get a piece of crap at the price you mentioned...but the main concern I have is the safety issue. The jointer is the leadoff tool when bringing rough lumber to dimension. Not only is 4" too small for any serious work, but the tool must have the capacity for accurate cuts, ease of adjustment and the heft that is required for stability and reliability.
Since you already bought it, do yourself a favour and sell the darned thing ASAP the purchase a suitably powered 6" (or larger) jointer. I have had my General 6" for 18 years, never a problem, very fine adjustments, blade changed are a snap, the jointer is solid as Gibraltor.
Good luck!
Rich,
Interested in your final comment about the importance of outfeed table adjustment on a jointer.
I have an 8" four blade jointer and adjusted the outfeed table once (right in the beginning) during the life of this machine. Never had the need to ever adjust after that. A blade change takes me the best part of 10 minutes.
Why is this so important to you?
Thank You ,
dusty
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